Cataloging drives and folders
A filename can reveal a client, patient, project, or location even when the file itself is not copied.
Catalog stores the metadata needed to find a file: names, paths, sizes, dates, and folder relationships. That is deliberately less than the file contents, but it is not meaningless. Protect the Mac account, catalog directory, and exported archives; do not share a catalog containing confidential filenames without reviewing its scope.
Open Catalog… from Everywhere’s menu bar item and add the drive or folder that matters. Let the first catalogue finish, then search by filename and browse the recorded folder tree. When the source is disconnected, the catalogue remains available and results are labelled offline so you know why opening the file requires reconnecting the drive.
Keep the original drive unchanged, use a clear catalogue name, and rescan after a large round of changes. Catalogues are for the places you choose; they do not silently turn a whole-Mac search into a second scan.
Not until the catalog is rescanned; remove or forget stale catalog entries when appropriate.
Yes, if you have permission, but treat the resulting metadata as confidential too.
Everywhere keeps track of every file on your Mac — including the folders Spotlight hides and drives you have unplugged. Free for a day, then $19 once.
Version 2.20.2 · macOS 13+ · 4.7 MB · notarised